“Protected and Strengthened”
As this year of 2021 stumbles along, half over but still feeling at a standstill, many of us find ourselves in a strange, in-between, frame of mind. We crave the personal freedom to do the kinds of things we’ve always enjoyed, but wonder if it’s a good idea to go places or do things that could pose a health risk. I’d like to think that I’m adequately protected from the invisible viruses floating around, but vaccine in my system and a mask at the ready feel like a rather flimsy defense.
Other dangers impinge on our sense of safety as well. We can’t see the computer hackers or the viruses with which they infect systems that are necessary for health care, public safety, education, and the ability to conduct business in general. But they certainly are real, and in the ensuing chaos, they pop up, demanding ransoms in staggering sums of money before they will free up crucial systems. It’s a huge challenge to develop defenses that can keep up with these threats, which seem to come out of nowhere, and we’re often several steps behind. Our sense of personal and community security is threatened.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God . . . fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:10, 14-17)
As I read this stirring call to action, a picture of health care workers donning the protective gear needed to care for their contagious patients popped into my head. The forms of armor may have changed, but the need for them has not. The need to continue the fight against the forces of evil transcends time and space, culture and geography. So even as we are overwhelmed at all that is beyond our control, remember that we are protected and strengthened by God’s gifts to his people: truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the power of God’s own word.
These gifts are not only armor or weapons, but instruments of peace as well, carrying God’s own power not only for our protection, but so that we can protect others. Every day, around the world, people are suffering from oppression, persecution, hunger, disease, and every form of hardship, and we are called to bring them comfort, protection, and hope. Our gift is also our mission.
Reassured and strengthened,
Your friend in Christ,
Mary Rogers